 |
| (Jim McIsaac-Long Island Newsday) |
It’s amazing what a difference two years makes, but I actually feel bad for
Tim Tebow. Two years ago, Tebow overachieved his way into the playoffs while
averaging around 10 completions a game. I had written an article blasting this
religious fanatic for several reasons, but now I feel nothing but empathy for
the poor guy. OK, so he does not seem to be the brightest individual in the
world, and my imaginary sister has a stronger and more accurate arm than he
does, but he does have the tools to impact a game and truly tries, which is more
than I can say about a lot of other professional athletes. Now due to all of
the hype, though, no one seems to be even interested in this free agent.
 |
| (Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports) |
Tebow was just named the most influential athlete in the US by Forbes Magazine. Even without a job, he is still getting corporate deals
such as a job offer as the head QB coach for the Lingerie League, offered $30,000 to throw footballs at windows to prove their
strength, and has received offers from lower level leagues such as the CFL and the Arena
League, which was going to pay him the standard $75 per game rate. Shit, there is
even the Tim Tebow Bill allowing home-schooled student-athletes to play for
their local public schools in Texas that just passed and there was a petition from
Jacksonville Jaguar fans to sign him that had made its way to the White House.
Tebowmania really
began while playing at a high level in college on his way to two national
championships and becoming one of the most decorated college players in NCAA
history. After fading away slightly, he came into the public eye again
with the Broncos where his team went to the playoffs. Although he received the
attention, it was really the defense and Matt Prater who should receive most of
the credit. It was then that Tebow became more of a character than a football
player. While he didn’t seem to have many other choices after the Broncos
canned him following his coming out party, I think his exposure was increased by
being on the roster of a team described by multiple outlets as a circus—The
Jets.
They promised him opportunity but barely used him in the wildcat and Tebow was eventually demoted to the third string even though they were not good enough
to make the playoffs. They never gave him a chance even though the two QB’s
ahead of him were also dismal. It was an unfair situation. Ever since becoming
a Jet, the media has constantly raped him worse than the Kardashians (though they actually deserve the negative attention). The guy works his ass off, plays
with more heart than most players in the league, stays out of
trouble, and now he is blackballed due to unwarranted attention. Maybe he is a
little too preachy, but I have come to realize that about 80% of all athletes
talk about God in interviews. As a passionate Ravens fan I will always be
obsessed with Ray Lewis, but during that epic Last Dance playoff run I wanted
him to become an atheist. Organizations fear that signing Tebow will be a
distraction, at no fault of his own. Imagine becoming a joke just for doing
something that you love. While I used to think this was brought on by himself,
after last year of staying quiet and saying all of the right things, it is
apparent he just can’t win. He is willing to play any position so I thought of listing
possible positions where he could make an impact.
Possible Positions
Fullback- He has proven his ability to get those tough yards
and can also catch occasionally when needed. He would need to learn the
techniques of blocking, but with his strength, quick feet, and balance he
should be able to pick it up.
Halfback-The guy can run. He’s not going to break records
or burn the defense with blazing speed, but in the right system he can be a
factor. He proved in college, and while playing in Denver, that he certainly has the
ability to tuck the ball, break some tackles, and find the endzone.
Tight End- He is a little short compared to most tight-ends,
but he can catch the ball and make some solid plays. He would need to work on
blocking.
OLB- Although already a tank, he would need to beef up. But with
his understanding of offenses, his athleticism and his speed he could
potentially be thrown in a 3-4 defense just to rush the QB on third downs. He
is certainly not an every down back and I think he would run around like a
drunkard if in coverage, but he can make some plays if a team just sends him
kamikaze style at a QB
Long Snapper- He would need to hit the gym, but longsnappers
tend to be a little smaller than most of the other linemen anyway. He should be
fine snapping the ball after some extensive practice and has enough grit to
keep the other team at bay long enough for the kicker.
Quarterback-Just kidding
The dude needs a
break.
-Kyle
No comments:
Post a Comment